Recovery based on resolve
04 January 2010
If ever there were a time to have a crystal ball to gaze into the future, this would be one of the most useful times ever.
Sadly, I don’t have one - if I did I would happily spend my days accruing millions down at a racetrack. But if I could see into the future I would expect 2010 to pan out as a fairly unspectacular year of recovery for the electronics manufacturing industry. The fact that most countries took such a long time to come out of recession, and that some are still officially in it, means that recovery will take longer and be weaker than was hoped for when we were at our lowest ebb in 2009 and looking forward with longing to 2010.
The electronics industry as a whole has had a pretty steady end to 2009 and the expected return of consumer confidence in 2010 will provide a further boost. However, there are several ‘flies in the ointment’ - the end of many of the (largely successful) car scrappage schemes, for example, or public spending cuts to reduce vast national debts – and these will have their effect on certain parts of the electronics industry.
My hope would be that these potential pitfalls do not obscure the way forward. Another year of caution, lack of investment and even cut-backs, could cause the stagnation that can be difficult to emerge from. Losing staff, particularly skilled engineers and operators, should be the last resort as it is this human resource that will provide the future success of many companies, particularly the SMEs.
So that would be my wish for the New Year. As we emerge from our winter break (for those of us lucky enough to have had one) relaxed and full of enthusiasm for 2010, I hope companies have the belief to build on what they have, rather than feel forced to cut costs.
Although I am aware that this is a bit premature for some of our readers in Asia, I would like to wish you all a happy and productive New Year.
Contact Details and Archive...
Most Viewed Articles...